England’s Test captain Joe Root regards Indian Virat Kohli as the most well-rounded player today and said he hopes his England teammate Jos Buttler will soon reproduce his limited dominance in Test cricket.
Root himself is considered one of the top four batsmen in contemporary cricket, alongside prolific Kohli, Australian running back Steve Smith, and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson.
“You’re looking at three of the best players the game has ever seen,” Root told The Analyst’s Virtual Cricket Club.
“They are three brilliant people to watch play and learn. To be honest, I’m not sure if I put myself in their group.
While he admired Smith’s hunger for big scores and Williamson’s full-surface defense, Root was particularly impressed by Kohli’s versatility.
“Virat is probably the most complete player of the three in all formats. His ability to chase things in the limited-overs format and to keep up with the pace as well as he does as often as he does and not be left out at the end is extraordinary.
“He has a very good game in all aspects, but you wouldn’t say he’s weaker against spin or pace.”
Root, meanwhile, has high expectations of Buttler, England’s stalwart, who has yet to rise to the same level in test cricket.
“Jos has been the most complete white ball hitter we’ve ever had,” Root said.
“I think he’s a phenomenal player and I still don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. Hopefully this summer at Test cricket will open doors for you.
“I saw an article on (great South Africa) AB de Villiers and he said it took him 50 tests to develop his test game. I think he’s very similar to Jos, to be honest. ”
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